COSATU ‘fully supports’ NUM planned strike against Eskom unbundling

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has thrown its weight behind the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM)’s planned strike against the unbundling of Eskom.

The move follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) that the power utility would be restructured.

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The plan will see the creation of an independent transmission entity that will take control of Eskom’s transmission assets  - a move the government said is aimed at stabilising the country’s electricity generation, supply and distribution.

However, COSATU and NUM argue that the unbundling threatens job security and workers’ rights, warning it could open the door to the privatisation of one of the country’s most strategic State-owned enterprises.

“COSATU fully supports NUM’s call and will be seeking urgent engagements with government, Eskom and industry on this burning crisis,” said COSATU spokesperson Zanele Sabela.

NUM is expected to begin mass action on Saturday, with marches planned in the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal.